Responding to recipient rated wirelessly broadcast electronic works

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and program for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works are provided. A secondary player receives a wireless broadcast of an electronic work from a primary player. Next, responsive to a playback of the electronic work from the secondary player, the secondary player requires a recipient of the electronic work to rate the electronic work. Then, responsive to the recipient rating the electronic work or an automatic rating selection made based on the recipient&#39;s preferences, the options available to the recipient may be dynamically adjusted. First, responsive to the recipient rating the electronic work with a favorable rating, the secondary player triggers a purchase offer for the electronic work when the secondary player is connected to a network providing access to a purchase server. Second, responsive to the recipient rating the electronic work, the secondary player transfers the rating to the primary player, such that the primary player is enabled to dynamically adjust a next electronic work selection for broadcast based on the rating for the previously broadcast electronic work.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly assigned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/728,164, filed Dec. 4, 2003, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

(1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/728,163; and

(2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/728,161.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to improved broadcastingsystems and in particular to an improved rating response system forrecipient rated wirelessly broadcast electronic works. Still moreparticularly, the present invention relates to selecting electronicworks to broadcast based on previous ratings by a recipient ofwirelessly broadcast electronic works and offering purchase options to arecipient of a wirelessly broadcast electronic work rated affirmativelyby the recipient.

2. Description of the Related Art

Technological advancements in portable computer systems enable displayand audio output of copyrightable works in an electronic form. Theseelectronic works include, but are not limited to, music, film, video,and books. The technological advances, for example, continue to expandthe types of electronic devices that play music and video. Further,technological advances are providing new ways of encapsulating music andvideo and new ways of distributing music and video.

In particular, one of the advances in devices that play electronic worksis in portable electronic devices that play music from MPEG-1 Layer 3(MP3) and other types of electronic compression file formats. MP3 filesare typically small in memory size and thus are ideal for storage andplay on portable electronic devices. Further, MP3 and other types ofelectronic formats of licensed works are often easily transferable fromone device to another via a wire or wireless network. Further, musicfiles may be streamed from one portable device to another creating atype of ad-hoc radio system.

As sharing of electronic works between users proliferates, users oftenreceive copies of electronic works without the proper licenses. In somecases, recipients do not intend to acquire proper licensing. In othercases, however, recipients acquire copies of electronic works to samplethe works and decide if they would like to purchase the work. Thus, itwould be advantageous to prompt a user receiving a sample work to ratethe work and prompt the user to purchase the work if the user gives thework a favorable rating.

Further, in the typical file sharing system, when electronic works areshared between users, it is typical for one user to view the electronicwork catalog of the other user and request a copy of a specific work. Ina broadcast system creating an ad-hoc radio, however, it would be moreadvantageous for electronic works to be continually broadcast based onthe preferences of the recipient(s) or sender(s), but without therecipient(s) or sender(s) having to specifically choose each broadcastelectronic work. Furthermore, it would be advantageous for a recipientof an electronic work to rate broadcast electronic works such thatbroadcast selections are dynamically adjusted based on ratings ofrecently broadcast electronic works.

Therefore, in view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to providea method, system, and program for prompting recipients of broadcastelectronic works to rate the works and then use those ratings todynamically adjust future broadcast work selections and to filter offersto purchase electronic works.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides an improvedbroadcasting system. In particular, the present invention provides animproved rating response system for recipient rated wirelessly broadcastelectronic works. Further, the present invention provides a method,system and program for selecting electronic works to broadcast based onprevious ratings by a recipient of wirelessly broadcast electronic worksand offering purchase options to a recipient of a wirelessly broadcastelectronic work rated affirmatively by the recipient.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a secondary playerreceives a wireless broadcast of an electronic work from a primaryplayer. Electronic works may include, but are not limited to, a musicalwork, a textual work, a video work, and a film work.

Next, responsive to a playback of the electronic work from the secondaryplayer, the secondary player requires a recipient of the electronic workto rate the electronic work. Playback of the electronic work may occurboth synchronously with the broadcast of the electronic work and at alater time from a stored sample of the electronic work.

Preferably, responsive to the recipient rating the electronic work, theoptions available to the recipient are dynamically adjusted. First,responsive to the recipient rating the electronic work with a favorablerating, the secondary player triggers a purchase offer for theelectronic work when the secondary player is connected to a networkproviding access to a purchase server. Second, responsive to therecipient rating the electronic work, the secondary player transfers therating to the primary player, such that the primary player is enabled todynamically adjust a next electronic work selection for broadcast basedon the rating for the previously broadcast electronic work.

In addition to receiving the wireless broadcast of the electronic workfrom a primary player, the secondary player may receive digital rightsrules. One digital rights rule may designate a purchase server link toautomatically access if said recipient rating is favorable. Anotherdigital rights rule may designate what is considered a favorable rating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as apreferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will bestbe understood by reference to the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a computer system in which thepresent method, system, and program may be implemented;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a distributed network system forfacilitating an electronic work licensing and distribution system inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a wireless network broadcast inaccordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a music player in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting the wireless communication between aprimary player broadcasting music and the secondary player receivingmusic in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a sample song stored in a musicplayer in accordance with the method, system, and program of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting the components of an electronic worklicense server in accordance with the method, system, and program of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 8A-8E are illustrative representations of display choicespresented to a user of a player enabled to receive, store, and broadcastelectronic works in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example of a rating system forwirelessly broadcast electronic works in accordance with the method,system, and program for the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling a primary player;

FIG. 11 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling receipt of broadcast electronic works at a secondary player;and

FIG. 12 is a high level logic flowchart of a process and program forcontrolling playback of stored samples of broadcast electronic works ata player.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, there isdepicted one embodiment of a computer system in which the presentmethod, system, and program may be implemented. The present inventionmay be executed in a variety of systems, including a variety ofcomputing systems and electronic devices under a number of differentoperating systems. In general, the present invention is executed in acomputer system that performs computing tasks such as manipulating datain storage that is accessible to the computer system. In addition, thecomputer system includes at least one output device and at least oneinput device.

Computer system 100 includes a bus 122 or other communication device forcommunicating information within computer system 100, and at least oneprocessing device such as processor 112, coupled to bus 122 forprocessing information. Bus 122 preferably includes low-latency andhigher latency paths that are connected by bridges and adapters andcontrolled within computer system 100 by multiple bus controllers. Whenimplemented as a server system, computer system 100 typically includesmultiple processors designed to improve network servicing power.

Processor 112 may be a general-purpose processor such as IBM's PowerPC™processor that, during normal operation, processes data under thecontrol of operating system and application software accessible from adynamic storage device such as random access memory (RAM) 114 and astatic storage device such as Read Only Memory (ROM) 116. The operatingsystem preferably provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to the user.In a preferred embodiment, application software contains machineexecutable instructions that when executed on processor 112 carry outthe operations depicted in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10, 11, 12, andothers described herein. Alternatively, the steps of the presentinvention might be performed by specific hardware components thatcontain hardwired logic for performing the steps, or by any combinationof programmed computer components and custom hardware components.

The present invention may be provided as a computer program product,included on a machine-readable medium having stored thereon the machineexecutable instructions used to program computer system 100 to perform aprocess according to the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” as used herein includes any medium that participates inproviding instructions to processor 112 or other components of computersystem 100 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms including,but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmissionmedia. Common forms of non-volatile media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape or any other magneticmedium, a compact disc ROM (CD-ROM) or any other optical medium, punchcards or any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aprogrammable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically EPROM(EEPROM), a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, or anyother medium from which computer system 100 can read and which issuitable for storing instructions. In the present embodiment, an exampleof a non-volatile medium is mass storage device 118 which as depicted isan internal component of computer system 100, but will be understood toalso be provided by an external device. Volatile media include dynamicmemory such as RAM 114. Transmission media include coaxial cables,copper wire or fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 122.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves,such as those generated during radio frequency or infrared datacommunications.

Moreover, the present invention may be downloaded as a computer programproduct, wherein the program instructions may be transferred from aremote computer such as a server 140 to requesting computer system 100by way of data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagationmedium via a network link 134 (e.g. a modem or network connection) to acommunications interface 132 coupled to bus 122. Communicationsinterface 132 provides a two-way data communications coupling to networklink 134 that may be connected, for example, to a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN), or an Internet Service Provider (ISP)that provide access to network 102. In particular, network link 134 mayprovide wired and/or wireless network communications to one or morenetworks, such as network 102.

Network 102 may refer to the worldwide collection of networks andgateways that use a particular protocol, such as Transmission ControlProtocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), to communicate with oneanother. Network 102 uses electrical, electromagnetic, or opticalsignals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the variousnetworks and the signals on network link 134 and through communicationinterface 132, which carry the digital data to and from computer system100, are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information.

When implemented as a server system, computer system 100 typicallyincludes multiple communication interfaces accessible via multipleperipheral component interconnect (PCI) bus bridges connected to aninput/output controller. In this manner, computer system 100 allowsconnections to multiple network computers.

Further, multiple peripheral components may be added to computer system100, connected to multiple controllers, adapters, and expansion slotscoupled to one of the multiple levels of bus 122. When implemented as aportable player, for example, a wireless transceiver 129 may beconnectively enabled on bus 122 for controlling wireless transmissions.Wireless transceiver 129 constantly listens to a pre-programmed publicchannel for new, remote parties and sends and receives data and messageson the public channel. Wireless transceiver 129 may be implemented byany short-range radio technology, such as, but not limited to,Bluetooth, 802.11, or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications(DECT). An audio output 128 is connectively enabled on bus 122 forcontrolling audio output through a speaker, headphones, or other audioprojection device. A display 124 is also connectively enabled on bus 122for providing visual, tactile or other graphical representation formats.A keyboard 126 and cursor control device 130, such as a mouse,trackball, or cursor direction keys, are connectively enabled on bus 122as interfaces for user inputs to computer system 100. In alternateembodiments of the present invention, additional input and outputperipheral components may be added.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwaredepicted in FIG. 1 may vary. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate that the depicted example is not meant to implyarchitectural limitations with respect to the present invention.

The functionality of computer system 100 may be implemented in dataprocessing systems from servers to portable players. Portable playersmay be computer systems that are tailored to efficiently receive, storeand playback electronic works. Examples of portable players include, butare not limited to, MP3 players, portable DVD players, electronic book(ebook) play devices, and other devices specified for playback of aparticular type of electronic work. Portable players may also beincorporated into other types of portable computer systems, such aswireless telephones and personal digital assistants.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram depicts a distributednetwork system for facilitating an electronic work licensing anddistribution system in accordance with the method, system, and programof the present invention. Distributed system 200 is a network ofcomputers in which the present invention may be implemented. Distributedsystem 200 contains a network 102, which is the medium used to providecommunications links between various devices and computers connectedtogether within distributed system 200. Network 102 may includepermanent connections such as wire or fiber optics cables, temporaryconnections made through telephone connections, and wirelesstransmission connections.

The client/server environment of distributed system 200 includesmultiple client players 208 and 210 communicatively connected to network102. In addition, there are multiple servers, such as digital DJ server204, electronic work license server 205, and licensed electronic workdistribution server 206 communicatively connected to network 102.

The client/server environment of distributed system 200 is implementedwithin many network architectures. For example, the architecture of theWorld Wide Web (the Web) follows a traditional client/server modelenvironment. The terms “client” and “server” are used to refer to acomputer's general role as a requester of data (the client) or providerof data (the server). In the Web environment, web browsers such asNetscape Navigator™ typically reside on client players 208 and 210 andrender Web documents (pages) served by a web server, such as servers204, 205, and 206. Additionally, each of client players 208 and 210 andservers 204, 205, and 206 may function as both a “client” and a “server”and may be implemented utilizing a computer system such as computersystem 100 of FIG. 1. Further, the present invention is also implementedby client players 208 and 210 engaged in peer-to-peer networkcommunications and downloading via network 102.

The Web may refer to the total set of interlinked hypertext documentsresiding on servers all around the world. Network 102, such as theInternet, provides an infrastructure for transmitting these hypertextdocuments between systems connected to network 102. Documents (pages) onthe Web may be written in multiple languages, such as Hypertext MarkupLanguage (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML), and identified byUniform Resource Locators (URLs) that specify the particular web pageserver from among servers, such as server 205, and pathname by which afile can be accessed, and then transmitted from the particular web pageserver to an end user utilizing a protocol such as Hypertext TransferProtocol (HTTP) or file-transfer protocol (FTP). Web pages may furtherinclude text, graphic images, movie files, electronic books, soundfiles, and streaming audio, as well as Java applets and other smallembedded software programs that execute when the user activates them byclicking on a link.

While network 102 is described with reference to the Internet, network102 may also operate within an intranet or other available networks,including peer to peer networks. Furthermore, client players 208 and 210may connect to network 102 through a data processing system acting as aport for transferring information between servers accessible throughnetwork 102 and client players 208 and 210. Additionally, client players208 and 210 may communicate within a local wireless network. This localwireless network is typically considered “ad-hoc” because it is createdwhen client players 208 and 210 are within wireless broadcast range ofone another.

Client players 208 and 210 are preferably computer systems enabled toreceive, play, and store electronic works. As described, client players208 and 210 are portable and enabled to receive and send wirelesstransmissions within a wireless network range. In an alternateembodiment, any of client players 208 and 210 may be consideredstationary.

Multiple ranges of wireless transmission capability may be implementedwithin a single client player. For example, Bluetooth, which is a shortrange wireless technology and 802.11, which is a mid-range wirelesstechnology, may be implemented within a single client player to enablemultiple ranges of wireless transmissions. In particular, the DRM rulesattached to an electronic work may specify the preferred reception andtransmission ranges for broadcast of an electronic work and the DRMrules may limit the type of network available for broadcast of anelectronic work. For example, DRM rules may specify that electronicworks are transmittable by cable only, by Bluetooth only, or by a peerto peer network allowing a set number of concurrent connections. It isimportant to note that while the present invention is described withemphasis upon wirelessly broadcast electronic works, electronic worksmay also be broadcast via a cabled network connection from client player208 and client player 210.

Digital DJ server 204 provides a service for selecting electronic worksfor play between client players 208 and 210. Digital DJ server 204 maytrack the previous ratings of electronic works made by users of clientplayers 208 and 210. Then, digital DJ server 204 may determine whichelectronic work to play next from the electronic works that currentlyreside on client player 208 or 210. Alternatively, digital DJ server 204may determine which electronic work to play next from electronic workscurrently residing at digital DJ server 204. The functionality ofdigital DJ server 204 may also reside within client players 208 and 210.

Electronic work license server 205 provides a service for trackinglicenses and use of licensed electronic works. Additionally, electronicwork license server 205 may provide licenses to client players 208 and210 or adjust the licenses to the electronic works already acquired.

Licenses are preferably attached to electronic works in the form of DRMrules. These DRM rules may allow a user who has purchased an electronicwork to wirelessly transmit a sample of that electronic work to otherelectronic devices. For example, a song purchased by the user of clientplayer 208 may include DRM rules that allow for broadcast of the song toclient player 210. Additionally, DRM rules preferably limit the allowedusage of a sample electronic work and are thus transmitted with thebroadcast of electronic work. Where, however, DRM rules or otherlicensing rules are not attached to an electronic work received atclient player 208 or 210, then the client player may initiate a requestfor licensing the electronic work with electronic work license server205 before the electronic work can be played back.

Licensed electronic work distribution server 206 provides a service forselling electronic works with licenses in the form of attached DRMrules. A user may be required to register an identity or make a paymentto acquire an electronic work. Where a user samples an incompleteversion of an electronic work from a wireless broadcast, the DRM rulesmay include a link to licensed electronic work distribution server 206to acquire a complete version of the electronic work.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a block diagram of a wirelessnetwork broadcast in accordance with the method, system, and program ofthe present invention. As illustrated, of the client players illustratedin FIG. 2, one of these players may be designated as a primary player,such as primary player 300 for the local wireless network. Players mayvie for the designation as primary player by offering electronic worksor one player may automatically be designated as primary player.Further, after one player receives a wireless broadcast of an electronicwork, the player may move to a new broadcast area and become the primaryplayer for that electronic work in the new broadcast area. It isimportant to note that while a wireless network of players is described,in an alternate embodiment, players may also be connected via a cable ora wired network connection.

In one example, primary player 300 searches for secondary playersenabled to wirelessly communicate. Primary player 300 is enabled towirelessly communicate within a range designated by wireless broadcastarea 302. Once primary player 300 detects other players, such assecondary players 304 and 306, within wireless broadcast area 302, thenprimary player 300 establishes a local wireless network. Within thelocal wireless network, primary player 300 may wirelessly stream theelectronic work being played on primary player 300 as a sampleelectronic work. Preferably, the DRM rules and context associated withthe streamed electronic work are also broadcast. An advantage tostreaming the electronic work as it is playing on primary player 300 isthat synchronous play is possible on secondary players 304 and 306.However, in addition to streaming an electronic work as it plays, theentire sample electronic work may be wirelessly transmitted as a datafile from primary player 300 to secondary players 304 and 306.

In an alternate example, primary player 300 is constantly broadcasting astream within wireless broadcast area 302 of the current electronic workplaying on primary player 300. When players, such as secondary players304 and 306, are within the wireless network area, then the broadcaststream is received at the secondary players. For example, primary player300 may be a stationary player that wirelessly broadcasts within a storeor other defined area to secondary players that enter the store or otherdefined area. In another example, primary player 300 may be a portableplayer that wirelessly broadcasts from its current location, thuscreating an ad-hoc local wireless network area as it moves.

The broadcast of an electronic work by primary player 300 may becontrolled by the DRM rules attached to the electronic work beingbroadcast. In particular, the DRM rules may specify preferences orlimitations for the reception and transmission ranges and thetransmission mediums. Preferably, wireless and cabled feedback systemsare included in primary player 300 and secondary players 304 and 306 tofacilitate range detection.

The context of an electronic work broadcast by primary player 300 mayalso be transmitted with the electronic work. The context of theelectronic work generally includes the history, reviews, anddistribution path of an electronic work. For example, for a musicalwork, the context may include, but is not limited to, a song title,artist name(s), genre, album name, album type, distributor name,distributor link, label name, label link, artist link, reviewer name,reviewer ratings, and reviewer text.

Secondary players 304 and 306 receive the streamed music and maysynchronously playback the music stream. Additionally or alternatively,secondary players 304 and 306 may store a copy of the broadcast streamwith the DRM rules for later playback. Once secondary players 304 and306 move out of broadcast area 302, such as the position of secondaryplayer 308, then only the stored copy of the broadcast stream can beplayed back as allowed by the DRM rules.

Prior to broadcasting an electronic work, primary player 300 may querysecondary players 304 and 306 for user preferences. Primary player 300may then determine which electronic works stored on primary player 300should next be played based on the user preferences from secondaryplayers 304 and 306 and the user preferences for primary player 300.Alternatively, primary player 300 may transmit all the relevant userpreferences to a digital DJ via an Internet connection and requestrecommendations for the next broadcast from the current electronic worksaccessible from primary player 300 or any of the secondary players.Further, the digital DJ may recommend new electronic work and negotiatepayment for the work with a licensed electronic work distributionserver.

Once a user listens to or views a streamed electronic work at secondaryplayer 304 or 306, the user preferably rates the electronic work. Arating may take multiple forms including, but not limited to, a thumbsup/down, a numeral rating, an alphanumeric rating, or other selectionfrom a rating system implemented by the players. Additionally, a usermay review the electronic work. Review comments and the identity of thereviewer may be added to the context of the electronic work andtransmitted among the other players and broadcast with the electronicwork.

Users are also preferably prompted to purchase licenses for wirelesslybroadcast works. If the DRM rules include requirements for filteringpurchase offers to users based on the user rating of the electronicwork, then the user rating of an electronic work is first compared withthe DRM rules. For example, a DRM rule may specify that a user is to beprompted to purchase the license for a work stored at the secondaryplayer only if the user rates the work with a thumbs up. Since it ispreferable to prompt a user to purchase a license electronically, theactual prompting to the user may be delayed until the secondary playerdetects a network connection through which an electronic work licenseserver or licensed electronic work distribution server are accessiblefor purchase of the license. A license may include additional DRM rulesor other rights and restrictions to an electronic work. Licenses mayprovide full use, one time use, or partial use, for example.

If the secondary player, such as secondary player 304, is still withinbroadcast range of primary player 300 when the user rates the streamedelectronic work, then secondary player 304 preferably transmits therating of the broadcast electronic work to primary player 300. Primaryplayer 300 may then use the rating to dynamically adjust the nextselected electronic work for broadcast.

Additionally, when a player, such as any of primary player 300 orsecondary players 304 and 306, establishes a network connection to theInternet or other network with servers that monitor licenses, the playermay automatically report a record of any sample electronic work receivedat the player to an electronic work license server or other serversystem that monitors distribution of licenses. Further, when a playerdetects a network connection to the Internet or other network withservers that monitor electronic work ratings, the player mayautomatically report a record of the ratings assigned by users to sampleelectronic works received at the player to the digital DJ or otherserver system that monitors ratings and comments about licensedelectronic works.

With reference now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of amusic player in accordance with the method, system, and program of thepresent invention. As illustrated, player 400 includes an example ofcomponents that may operate within an electronic device enabled toreceive, play, and store electronic works.

First, player 400 includes a wireless transceiver 402 enabled to sendand receive wireless communications. Wireless transceiver 402 mayimplement multiple types of wireless broadcast technology including, butnot limited to, Bluetooth, 802.11, and DECT.

Next, player 400 includes a playback controller 408 enabled tosynchronize playback of a data stream with the other players playing thesame data stream of an electronic work. As long as player 400 is withinthe broadcast range of the primary player, playback controller 408 mayenable playback of a current data stream of an electronic work orplayback of a previously stored sample electronic work received from theprimary player.

Playback controller 408 also preferably condenses and stores datastreams of electronic works in a sample works database 406. Sample worksdatabase 406 includes condensed files, in formats such as MP3, fromstreaming electronic works with DRM rules. When player 400 is outsidethe broadcast range of the primary player, then the stored sampleelectronic works in sample works database 406 may be played back, butonly according to DRM rules for each electronic work. Further, playbackcontroller 408 may prohibit playback of any sample electronic workacquired without any licensing rights.

Playback controller 408 also controls playback of electronic worksdownloaded onto player 400 with a license for personal use andpotentially also for broadcast to other players. In particular,electronic works may be downloaded that include a license to transferthe electronic work file or broadcast the electronic work to otherplayers as a sample electronic work with DRM rules limiting playback ofthe sample work.

When electronic works are streamed from one player to another,electronic coupons may also be broadcast. Electronic coupons received atplayer 400 are stored in electronic coupon database 409. Electroniccoupons may include discounts, rebates, and other incentives for arecipient of a broadcast electronic work to purchase the electronic workor purchase additional licensing rights to the electronic work from anelectronic work license server or a licensed electronic workdistribution server.

A profile 404 stored on player 400 preferably records the electronicwork preferences for a user. Profile 404 may include, but is not limitedto, a listing of the current electronic works stored on player 400 andratings assigned by the user to each of the electronic works stored onplayer 400. Additionally, profile 404 may include, but is not limitedto, a listing of electronic works previously listened to or viewed bythe user and the rating assigned by the user to each. Further, profile404 may include, but is not limited to, a listing of styles of music,film, books, musicians, actors, years of recording, and other categoriesof preferences for a user. Moreover, profile 404 may include, but is notlimited to, a listing of types of music, film, artists, actors, songs,and years of recording that a user would like to listen to or view inthe future.

Player 400 can transfer the data in profile 404 to other players withina local wireless network. Further, player 400 may receive profiles fromother players within a local wireless network. A matching controller 410within player 400 compares the profiles of other users within the localwireless network with the context of the electronic works available forbroadcast in licensed works database 412 and selects music for broadcastto the other players that best satisfies the preferences of all thelisteners. If the preferences of some users cannot be matched with thepreferences of other users, then matching controller 410 may alternateselections between those that will satisfy the preferences of a firstgroup of users and then those that will satisfy the preferences of asecond group of users. Alternatively, if a preference match cannot bemade to the current electronic works, then player 400 may seek toacquire new electronic works that will match preferences.

As an additional advantage, once other users listen to or view anelectronic work broadcast from player 400, ratings by the recipientusers may be transmitted back to player 400. Matching controller 410 maythen dynamically adjust the next electronic work to be broadcast fromplayer 400 based on the reported rating for the recently broadcastelectronic work.

Further, when a wirelessly broadcast work is received at player 400, auser is prompted to rate the electronic work. The rating is then storedin profile 404 and transmitted to the player from which the electronicwork was received. Thus, user preferences dynamically change for eachelectronic work viewed or listened to by a user.

A purchase controller 414 preferably initiates access via an Internet orother network connection to an electronic work license server or alicensed electronic work distribution server to acquire additionallicensing and to register stored samples of electronic works frombroadcasts. A particular electronic work license server or licensedelectronic work distribution server may be specified for purchases inthe DRM rules transferred with an electronic work.

In particular, for each rating entered by a user in response tolistening or viewing a work at player 400, purchase controller 414determines if there is a DRM rule for the electronic work specifyingwhen a user should be prompted to purchase an electronic work. If thereis a rule requiring prompting upon detection of a network connection,then purchase controller 414 triggers the prompting upon detection of anetwork connection to an electronic work license server or a licensedelectronic work distribution server. For example, a DRM rule may specifythat a user should be prompted to purchase an electronic work only ifthe user rates the work with a thumbs up. In this way, a distributor candistribute a work, but only prompt purchases from those who havereceived the work and given a favorable rating. Further, the DRM rulemay require that those who give a sample work a favorable rating berequired to purchase additional licensing rights to the work for furtherplayback.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is depicted a block diagram of thewireless communication between a primary player broadcasting music andthe secondary player receiving music in accordance with the method,system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated, a primaryplayer 500 includes a matching unit 502 that selects song 5 from artist4 with DRM rules and context, as depicted at reference numeral 504. Whenmatching unit 502 selects an electronic work, the context data for anelectronic work and DRM rules are matched with a selection of userpreferences from the user of the primary player and the users of anyaccessible secondary players. Context data for an electronic work mayinclude, but is not limited to, song title, artist name(s), genre, albumname, album types (e.g. original LP or compilation), reviewer name,reviewer ratings and reviewer comments. DRM rules may include, forexample, whether the electronic work is free or is ruled by a limitedlicense.

In this embodiment, the musical work is streamed through wirelesstransceiver 506 and received at wireless transceiver 516 of secondaryplayer 510. Secondary player 510 includes a playback controller 518 thatsynchronizes playback of the music stream with primary player 500 andcontrols output of the stream through audio output device 520. The musicstream is also stored as sample music by music playback controller 518in an electronic work samples database 512. As illustrated at referencenumeral 514, the sample of song 5, artist 4 with DRM rules and contextis stored in music samples database 512. While the present invention isdescribed where DRM rules and context are transmitted in a wirelessbroadcast of a work, in an alternate embodiment, only the electronicwork may be transmitted in a wireless broadcast of a work.

With reference now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a block diagram of asample musical work stored in a secondary player in accordance with themethod, system, and program of the present invention. As illustrated,the storage of an electronic work, here song 5 from artist 4, mayinclude work info 605 and a music stream file 606.

Work info 605 includes DRM rules 604 and context data 608. DRM rules 604preferably control play of the electronic work and output of the contextof the electronic work. Context data 608 preferably includes historicalcontext, distribution context, and review context for the electronicwork.

In the examples of DRM rules 604, playback of a song stored at a musicplayer may be allowed when the player is within a certain transmissionrange of the primary player. Proximity to the primary player may bemeasured by the signal strength detected from the primary player.

In another example of DRM rules 604, the song stored at a player may beplayed back, but only a certain number of seconds of the song or a lowerresolution or downcast in quality may be allowed. Further, in anotherexample, the entire song may be stored, but the digital rules mayrequire a decrypt key be accessed from a licensing database before thesong can be played. In particular, rather than storing the music stream,the music file may be transferred and stored where the decrypt key isrequired for later play. Further, DRM rules 604 may allow playback ofthe entire song

In addition to playback of the song, DRM rules 604 may restrict whatportions of context data 608 can be viewed where the context includes,but is not limited to, song title, album title, composer, writer,singer, producer, label, year of recording, genre, album type (e.g.original LP or compilation), reviewer name, reviewer ratings, andreviewer text. Additionally, DRM rules 604 may restrict what reviewcomments the user can view about the song. Review comments may beincluded in the streamed transmission from multiple music reviewers orfrom other users who have rated the song. DRM rules 604 may require thata review play prior to, during, or after the electronic work.Advantageously, each user receiving an electronic work may updatecontext data 608 with ratings and review comments. Further, when a userspecifies ratings and review comments to update context data 608, theuser may further specify DRM rules for play or display of the rating andreview comments.

Additionally, DRM rules 604 may restrict whether a song may bewirelessly broadcast to other players. In the example, wirelessbroadcast is allowed with the restrictions established by the other DRMrules. In alternate embodiments, the DRM rules associated with a samplebroadcast may vary from the DRM rules associated with a licensed copy ofa work.

Context data 608 also preferably identifies the manufacturer, producer,and distributor and provides contact information for making purchases.Additionally, the music playback controller preferably adds anidentifier for each recipient who receives a broadcast of an electronicwork to context data 608, such that the distribution flow of anelectronic work is tracked.

Preferably, a music playback controller within a music player restrictsplay of music or other electronic works and display of context data onthe player according to the DRM rules. Alternatively, a music playbackcontroller in a music player may require acquisition of DRM rules forsample music from a licensing server prior to playing the electronicwork. Further, where music and other electronic works are receivedwithout DRM rules, the music playback controller may automaticallyinitiate requests for ratings, offers to purchase, and other promptingsthat might otherwise be filtered by DRM rules.

With reference now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a block diagram ofthe components of an electronic work license server in accordance withthe method, system, and program of the present invention. Asillustrated, an electronic work license server 700 includes a licensecontroller 702. License controller 702 receives requests to acquirelicenses for music. Further, license controller 702 may receive requeststo verify a music license from players receiving broadcast electronicworks. Preferably, a license database 704 stores licenses for electronicworks and a license registry database 706 stores user identifiers forthose who acquire music licenses. In particular, if the user meets therequirements of the license, such as paying a fee or registering, then alicense for the electronic work may be transferred. In an alternateembodiment, electronic work license server 700 controls licenses for alltypes of electronic works.

As illustrated at reference numeral 708, multiple types of licenses maybe implemented with restrictions on use. The actual restrictions arepreferably defined by DRM rules. When a user purchases or registers anelectronic work, the user may be provided with a list of available typesof licenses, such as the types listed at reference numeral 708.Different costs may be associated with different types of licenses.Furthermore, it will be understood that in addition to the example typesof licenses available, other types of licensing agreements may beavailable and licensing agreements may be tailored for a particularuser.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8E, there are depicted illustrativerepresentations of display choices presented to a user of a playerenabled to receive, store, and broadcast electronic works in accordancewith the method, system, and program of the present invention. Asillustrated in FIG. 8A, responsive to a player detecting a query from aprimary player for music preferences, the user is prompted to authorizetransmitting preferences to the primary player. In particular, in thisrequest, the user is prompted to authorize transmission of musicpreferences. In alternate embodiments, the user may be required to alsoauthorize transmission of an identity and other information beyond theuser's music preferences before access to a broadcast electronic work isallowed.

As depicted in FIG. 8B, the user also receives prompts to select whetherto listen to or view a particular electronic work broadcast by anotherplayer. In particular, the user is prompted to select whether to listento a particular song. In alternate embodiments, the user may be promptedto select whether to listen to electronic works of a particular type,from a particular artist, from a particular label, and from otherspecifiable categories.

As illustrated in FIG. 8C, the user is prompted to select whether tostore a sample of the electronic work received from a primary player. Ifthe user chooses to store a sample of the electronic work, then thebroadcast electronic work is stored in a default or specified formatwith DRM rules if available. The user may also choose to store only aportion of the sample of the electronic work or may set a preference toautomatically store any broadcast electronic works received at theplayer.

As illustrated in FIG. 8D, the user is prompted to rate the electronicwork. The user may also be prompted to rate overall the selection ofworks received from a particular primary player. Further, the user maybe prompted to rate particular characteristics of a work and to writecomments about a particular work or group of works. The prompting may bedisplayed while a user is listening to a synchronous playback of acurrent broadcast or when the user is listening to playback of a storedsample from a broadcast. The rating scale presented to the user may bespecified by the DRM rules, specified by the user, or arbitrarilyselected.

In an alternate embodiment, if a user does not rate the electronic work,then a rating may be automatically selected based on the user'spreferences. For example, if the user is prompted to rate a musical workfrom a particular artist and that user has previously given a thumbs upto all other works received from that artist, then a selection may beautomatically made if the user does not rate the electronic work.Further, in a system where a user is not prompted to rate the electronicwork, the player may infer a rating and present the inferred rating tothe recipient for confirmation.

As depicted in FIG. 8E, the user is prompted to select whether toreceive purchase options for the electronic work received from awireless broadcast. In particular, when a secondary player receives awireless broadcast of an electronic work, the purchasing information forthat electronic work is preferably transferred to and stored at thesecondary player. A user may be automatically prompted to select whetherto initiate a purchase of a licensed copy of a broadcast electronic workas depicted. Alternatively, a user may be prompted to only selectwhether to initiate a purchase of those broadcast electronic works whichthe user rates favorably.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is depicted a block diagram of an exampleof a rating system for wirelessly broadcast electronic works inaccordance with the method, system, and program for the presentinvention. As illustrated, “purchaser B” purchases a CD 902. CD 902includes multiple musical electronic works (EWs) separated into tracks.Further, CD 902 includes DRM rules that include DRM rules 906 andcontext 904.

In this particular example, purchaser B uploads song 5 from artist 4 ofCD 902 to primary player 910. Although not depicted, the upload may befacilitated by another computer system that converts the musical trackinto a format playable by primary player 910. In particular, when anintermediary computer system converts the musical track into a playableformat for upload to primary player 910, the intermediary computersystem may be required to register the purchased work.

Context data 904 may be initially set by the manufacturer or distributorof an electronic work. In the example, the distributor for theelectronic work is designated. In alternate examples, the distributor,label, and other parties involved in the distribution process may bedesignated. As the electronic work is transferred from one player toanother, each recipient player preferably updates context data 904 withan identifier for each recipient. For example, context data 914 includesthe previous distribution information plus the purchaser identity anddate of wireless broadcast from primary player 910. Additionally, as theelectronic work is transferred from one player to another, the ratingresponse of each recipient is preferably added to the context data. Forexample, context data 924 includes the rating by recipient C of a 6.

Preferably, transfer of DRM rules 906 is required with any file transferor broadcast of an electronic work. In the example, DRM rules 906 allowfor a wireless broadcast of the musical work and require an offer topurchase the musical work from retail distributor D if a rating of 5 ormore is given to the musical work by one receiving the wirelessbroadcast of the musical work. Thus, any player receiving the musicalwork with DRM rules 906 is allowed to broadcast the electronic work.Further, according to these rules, an offer to purchase the musical workis only made to the recipient if the recipient rates the musical workfavorably. In alternate embodiments, DRM rules 906 may place otherrequirements on the play, broadcast, purchase, and distribution of anelectronic work.

Primary player 910 advantageously wirelessly broadcasts the electronicwork as a sample with DRM rules to a secondary player 920. Secondaryplayer 920 receives the wirelessly broadcast work and may synchronouslyplay back and store the sample work with DRM rules. Secondary player 920may update the distribution information with the recipient information,as illustrated in context data 924. For each rating that updates contextdata 920, the secondary player may also update the DRM rules to restrictthe future use of that rating when it is broadcast with the electronicwork to another player.

When an electronic work is received at secondary player 920 and played,the recipient is preferably prompted to rate the electronic work. Therecipient rating may be used in multiple ways.

First, secondary player 920 may transfer the recipient rating back toprimary player 910. Primary player 910 then dynamically selects the nextelectronic work for wireless broadcast based on the recipient rating ofa recently played electronic work. For example, after recipient C atsecondary player 920 listens to song 5 from artist 4, recipient C givesthe musical work a favorable rating of 6. Primary player 910 has aplaylist of musical works already selected based on the currentpreferences of recipients of broadcast electronic works. However, uponreceiving the rating from recipient C about the previously playedmusical work, primary player 910 may adjust the playlist to account fora favorable or unfavorable rating of the recently played electronicwork.

Second, secondary player 920 may transfer the recipient rating to adigital DJ 930. Digital DJ 930 receives the rating and dynamicallyselects the next electronic work to transmit to primary player 910 forbroadcast based on the recipient rating. Digital DJ 930 may receiveratings from secondary player 920 when outside the broadcast range ofprimary player 910, such that recipient ratings of electronic works maybe transmitted to digital DJ 930 when secondary player 920 is enabled toaccess network 102.

Third, secondary player 920 may compare the recipient rating with anyDRM rules relating to ratings. For example, a recipient rating for song5, artist 4 is compared with the DRM rule requiring an offer to purchasethe musical work if the recipient rates the work at a “5” or more. Inthis example, if the recipient rates the musical work at a “6”, then atrigger is set to present an offer to the recipient to initiate a queryfor the work. When secondary player 920 is enabled to access network102, then an offer is presented to the recipient to initiate a purchasequery for the favorably rated electronic work. The recipient may thenselect to initiate a purchase query to purchase a license or the entireelectronic work from a distributor. If the recipient selects to initiatea purchase query, a request is sent to the distributor designated in theDRM rules. In this example, the purchase query is sent to retaildistributor A server 940.

If the recipient is prompted to rate the electronic work and does not doso after a period of time or if rating the electronic work is optionaland not done, then a rating may be automatically assigned based on therecipient's preferences and previous ratings. Thus, before secondaryplayer 920 may compare the recipient rating with any DRM rules relatingto ratings, a rating may be automatically assigned. Alternatively, theDRM rules may specify a particular response when a recipient does notrate an electronic work.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is depicted a high level logic flowchartof a process and program for controlling a primary player. Asillustrated, the process starts at block 1000 and thereafter proceeds toblock 1002. Block 1002 depicts a determination whether other deviceswithin the DRM allowed broadcast range are detected. In particular, aDRM rule for broadcast of a particular electronic work preferablyspecifies the connection types, broadcast ranges, and other broadcastlimitations and preferences. If other devices are not detected, then theprocess iterates at block 1002. If other devices are detected, then theprocess passes to block 1004.

Block 1004 depicts a determination whether the setting to selectelectronic works based on others' preferences is selected. The DRM rulesmay require a selection of electronic works based on preferences.Alternatively, a user at a primary player may require a selection ofelectronic works based on preferences. If the selection based onpreferences is not required, then the process passes to block 1014.Block 1014 depicts selecting a default electronic work to broadcast.Alternatively, at block 1004, if the selection based on preferences isrequired, then the process passes to block 1006. Block 1006 illustratestransmitting a request for preferences to the other wireless devices andthe process passes to block 1008. In particular, the request forpreferences may specify which categories of preferences are requestedbased on DRM rules or a user specification. For example, the request forpreferences may specify the category of musician preferences and musicalstyle preferences.

Block 1008 depicts a determination whether preferences from otherwireless devices within broadcast range are received. If no preferencesare received, then the process passes to block 1014. If preferences arereceived, then the process passes to block 1010. Block 1010 depictsselecting the next electronic work to broadcast based on all thereceived preferences. In particular, the process may also require thatthe electronic work include DRM rules that allow for wirelessbroadcasting. Further, the primary player may offload the electronicwork selection process to a digital DJ located in another electronicdevice accessible via a network. Moreover, the playback controller mayfurther filter the sets of preferences received to only select the nextelectronic work for broadcast based on a selection of the preferencesreceived from secondary players. Next, block 1012 depicts broadcastingthe sample electronic work with DRM rules requiring a recipient to ratethe sample electronic work, and the process passes to block 1014.

Block 1014 depicts a determination whether a recipient rating of thebroadcast sample electronic work is received. If a recipient rating isnot received, the process iterates at block 1014. When a recipientrating is received, then the process passes to block 1016. Block 1016illustrates selecting the next electronic work based on all the receivedratings of the current electronic work and the previously receivedpreferences. In particular, both past static preferences and currentdynamic ratings are then used to select the next electronic work forplay, and the process ends.

With reference now to FIG. 11, there is depicted a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling receipt of broadcastelectronic works at a secondary player. As illustrated, the processstarts at block 1100 and thereafter proceeds to block 1102. Block 1102illustrates a determination whether a broadcasting wireless device isdetected. If a broadcasting wireless device is not detected, then theprocess iterates at block 1102. If a broadcasting wireless device isdetected, then the process passes to block 1104. Block 1104 illustratesa determination whether a request for preferences is received. If arequest for preferences is received, then the process passes to block1106. If a request for preferences is not received, then the processpasses to block 1112.

If the process passes to block 1106, a request is presented for the userto authorize sending preferences. Next, block 1108 depicts adetermination whether the user authorizes sending preferences. If theuser does not authorize sending preferences, then the process passes toblock 1112. If the user does authorize sending preferences, then theprocess passes to block 1110. Block 1110 illustrates sending preferencesfor all applicable users of the player, and the process passes to block1112. User preferences may be set by the device owner, the current user,or a group of users.

When the process passes to block 1112, the electronic work received atthe secondary player may be stored, with DRM rules, during thebroadcast. Alternatively, only the DRM rules or context may be stored orno information about the broadcast is stored. Next, block 1114 depicts adetermination whether the user selects synchronous playback of theelectronic work. The user may select synchronous playback. If the userdoes not request synchronous playback then the process ends. If the userdoes select playback, then the process passes to block 1122. Block 1122depicts presenting the user with a ratings request. Thereafter, block1124 illustrates a determination of whether the user enters a rating. Ifa user enters a rating, then the process passes to block 1126. If theuser does not enter a rating within a particular time, then the processends. Alternatively, if the user does not enter a rating within aparticular time, a rating selection may be automatically assigned basedon the user's preferences and previous ratings. Further, a user may notbe presented with a ratings request, but rather a user may set apreference for ratings to always be automatically assigned based on theuser's preferences and previous ratings.

Block 1126 depicts transmitting the rating to the broadcasting primaryplayer if it is still within transmission range. Next, block 1128illustrates comparing the user rating with the rating DRM rules.Thereafter, block 1130 depicts a determination whether the ratingtriggers a purchase offer. If the rating does not trigger a purchaseoffer, then the process ends. If the rating triggers a purchase offer,then the process passes to block 1132.

Block 1132 depicts a determination whether a network connection isdetected. If a network connection is not detected, then the processiterates at block 1132. If a network connection is detected, then theprocess passes to block 1134. Block 1134 illustrates transmitting therating to a digital DJ. Next, block 1140 depicts presenting a purchaseoffer to the user. Thereafter, block 1142 illustrates a determinationwhether the user selects to initiate the purchase. If the user does notselect to initiate the purchase, then the process passes to block 1142.If the user selects to initiate the purchase, then the process passes toblock 1144. Block 1144 depicts sending a purchase query to thedesignated distribution server, and the process ends.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling playback of storedsamples of broadcast electronic works at a player. As depicted, theprocess starts at block 1200 and thereafter proceeds to block 1202.Block 1202 depicts a determination whether a user request for playbackof a stored electronic work is detected. If a user request for playbackof a stored electronic work is not detected, then the process iteratesat block 1202. If a user request for playback of a stored electronicwork is detected, then the process passes to block 1204. Block 1204depicts initiating playback of the electronic work according to the DRMrules. Thereafter, block 1206 illustrates a determination whether theDRM rules require a rating after playback. If the DRM rules do notrequire a rating after playback, then the process ends. If the DRM rulesrequire a rating after playback, then the process passes to block 1208.Block 1208 depicts a determination whether playback is finished. Theprocess iterates at block 1208 until playback is finished. Once playbackis finished, then the process passes to block 1210. Block 1210illustrates prompting the user to rate the electronic work. Next, block1212 depicts a determination whether the user rating of the electronicwork is received. If a user rating is not received, then the processends after a period of time. If a user rating of the electronic work isreceived, then the process passes to identifier B of FIG. 11.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A method for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcastelectronic works, comprising: receiving a wireless broadcast of anelectronic work from a primary player at a secondary player; responsiveto a playback of said electronic work from said secondary player,prompting a recipient of said electronic work to rate said electronicwork; responsive to said recipient rating said electronic work with afavorable rating, triggering a purchase offer for said electronic workwhen said secondary player is connected to a network enabling access toa purchase server; and responsive to said recipient rating saidelectronic work, transferring said rating to said primary player, suchthat said primary player is enabled to dynamically adjust a nextelectronic work selection for broadcast based on said rating for saidpreviously broadcast electronic work.
 2. The method according to claim 1for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronicworks, further comprising: storing a sample of said electronic work atsaid secondary player; and responsive to receiving a request for play ofsaid stored sample of said electronic work, controlling playback of saidstored sample of said electronic work.
 3. The method according to claim1 for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronicworks, further comprising: enabling synchronous playback of saidelectronic work at said secondary player while said secondary player iswithin reception range of said primary player.
 4. The method accordingto claim 1 for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcastelectronic works, further comprising: receiving a digital rights ruledesignating a purchase server link for said purchase server with saidwireless broadcast of said electronic work; and responsive to arecipient request to complete said purchase offer, automaticallyaccessing said purchase server link via said network.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1 for responding to recipient ratings of wirelesslybroadcast electronic works, further comprising: receiving a digitalrights rule with said wireless broadcast of said electronic work,wherein said digital rights rule specifies what is said favorablerating.
 6. The method according to claim 1 for responding to recipientratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works, wherein saidelectronic work is one from among a musical work, a textual work, avideo work, and a film work.
 7. The method according to claim 1 forresponding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronicworks, further comprising: responsive to a recipient not entering saidrating, automatically assigning said rating based on preferences andprevious ratings of said recipient.
 8. A system for responding torecipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works, comprising:a secondary player enabled to receive a wireless broadcast of anelectronic work from a primary player; said secondary player, responsiveto a playback of said electronic work from said secondary player,operative to require a recipient of said electronic work to rate saidelectronic work; said secondary player, responsive to said recipientrating said electronic work with a favorable rating, operative totrigger a purchase offer for said electronic work when said secondaryplayer is connected to a network enabling access to a purchase server;and said secondary player operative to transfer said rating to saidprimary player.
 9. The system according to claim 8 for responding torecipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works, furthercomprising: said secondary player operative to store a sample of saidelectronic work at said secondary player; and said secondary player,responsive to receiving a request for play of said stored sample of saidelectronic work, operative to control playback of said stored sample ofsaid electronic work.
 10. The system according to claim 8 for respondingto recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works, furthercomprising: said secondary player operative to enable synchronousplayback of said electronic work at said secondary player while saidsecondary player is within reception range of said primary player. 11.The system according to claim 8 for responding to recipient ratings ofwirelessly broadcast electronic works, further comprising: saidsecondary player operative to receive a digital rights rules designatinga purchase server link for said purchase server with said wirelessbroadcast of said electronic work; and said secondary player, responsiveto a recipient request to complete said purchase offer, operative toautomatically access said purchase server link via said network.
 12. Thesystem according to claim 8 for responding to recipient ratings ofwirelessly broadcast electronic works, further comprising: saidsecondary player operative to receive a digital rights rule with saidwireless broadcast of said electronic work, wherein said digital rightsrule specifies what is said favorable rating.
 13. The system accordingto claim 8 for responding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcastelectronic works, wherein said electronic work is one from among amusical work, a textual work, a video work, and a film work.
 14. Thesystem according to claim 8 for responding to recipient ratings ofwirelessly broadcast electronic works, further comprising: saidsecondary player, responsive to a recipient not entering said rating,operative to automatically assign said rating based on preferences andprevious ratings of said recipient.
 15. A computer program product forresponding to recipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronicworks, comprising: a non-transitory computer readable storage media;first program instructions to receive a wireless broadcast of anelectronic work from a primary player at a secondary player; secondprogram instructions to require a recipient of said electronic work torate said electronic work, responsive to a playback of said electronicwork from said secondary player; third program instructions to trigger apurchase offer for said electronic work when said secondary player isconnected to a network enabling access to a purchase server, responsiveto said recipient rating said electronic work with a favorable rating;and fourth program instructions to transfer said rating to said primaryplayer; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth programinstructions are stored on the computer readable storage media.
 16. Thecomputer program product according to claim 15 for responding torecipient ratings of wirelessly broadcast electronic works, furthercomprising: fifth program instructions to store a sample of saidelectronic work at said secondary player; and sixth program instructionsto control playback of said stored sample of said electronic work,responsive to receiving a request for play of said stored sample of saidelectronic work; wherein the fifth and sixth program instructions arestored on the computer readable storage media.
 17. The computer programproduct according to claim 15 for responding to recipient ratings ofwirelessly broadcast electronic works, further comprising: fifth programinstructions to enable synchronous playback of said electronic work atsaid secondary player while said secondary player is within receptionrange of said primary player, wherein the fifth program instructions arestored on the computer readable storage media.